NAF Records Over 6,100 Flying Hours, Advances Modernisation Ahead of CAS Aneke’s First Anniversary

NAF Records Over 6,100 Flying Hours, Advances Modernisation Ahead of CAS Aneke’s First Anniversary

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded over 6,100 flying hours and more than 2,900 sorties in support of national security operations between November 2025 and September 2026, as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, approaches his first anniversary in office on October 30, 2026.

The milestones span operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, training, infrastructure development, aircraft modernisation and institutional accountability, in line with the Air Chief’s command philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces.

According to a statement issued on October 25, 2026, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Service consumed close to 10 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel during the period to support precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, close air support and other missions against hostile elements.

The statement explained that intelligence-led mission planning remained central to the operations, with missions guided by actionable intelligence, clearly defined objectives and assessments of outcomes to ensure that each sortie contributed meaningfully to national security.

NAF Prioritises Personnel Welfare and Professional Development

Air Marshal Aneke has placed personnel welfare at the centre of his leadership approach under the principle of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare”, recognising that motivated, adequately supported and professionally trained personnel are essential to operational effectiveness.

Under the initiative, the NAF has pursued improvements in personnel allowances, medical support, accommodation and supporting infrastructure to enhance living and working conditions across its formations.

The Service has also reactivated welfare airlift services for personnel deployed to frontline operational theatres, as part of efforts to improve morale and support the wellbeing of personnel and their families.

In recognition of professional service and career progression, 57 senior officers were promoted to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore. Additionally, 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers advanced to higher ranks.

The NAF also recorded significant training milestones, with more than 550 personnel participating in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 personnel received local training to strengthen specialised competencies, technical proficiency and leadership capacity.

Service Receives Five Additional Helicopters

As part of efforts to modernise its fleet and improve aircraft availability, the NAF received five helicopters in September 2026. The delivery comprised three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters, expanding the Service’s operational flexibility and support capacity.

The broader acquisition programme includes 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, alongside other planned aircraft and unmanned aerial systems intended to enhance airlift, combat, training, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Maintenance and fleet regeneration efforts have also progressed, including the reactivation and upgrade of six L-39ZA aircraft in Slovakia and Nigeria, as well as ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance of a C-130 aircraft in Portugal.

These initiatives complement investments in technical support, indigenous upgrades and emerging aviation technologies aimed at strengthening the Service’s long-term operational readiness.

Strengthened Safety, Accountability and Responsible Airpower

The NAF has also introduced measures to strengthen operational safety, accountability and the responsible employment of airpower.

The establishment of an Operational and Safety Audit Committee is intended to support independent assessments of operational, engineering and armament units, while a strengthened Safety Management System promotes leadership engagement, proactive risk management and a data-driven safety culture.

In addition, the Service is advancing its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response framework through dedicated structures, standardised training and enhanced assessment and investigation capabilities.

Plans to establish an Open-Source Intelligence Centre are also underway to improve situational awareness and operational planning through the effective use of available information and emerging technologies.

145 Infrastructure Projects Completed

Infrastructure development remains a key component of the NAF’s transformation agenda, with 284 projects approved across the Service. Of these, 145 have been completed, while 139 are ongoing.

The projects cover residential accommodation, academic and medical facilities, administrative and operational infrastructure, roads, power supply, water systems and recreational facilities.

According to the statement, the investments are designed to improve personnel welfare while strengthening the Service’s operational and institutional capacity.

The NAF is also pursuing indigenous capability development through local production initiatives involving Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges, a 250-kilogram bomb-loading trolley, and the development and ground testing of locally produced 57-millimetre rockets.

Community-focused healthcare, educational and other special projects have equally continued as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and public confidence.

NAF Reaffirms Commitment to National Security

As Air Marshal Aneke approaches his first anniversary in office, the Nigerian Air Force says it remains focused on translating investments in personnel, aircraft, training, technology and infrastructure into measurable operational results.

The Service is pursuing improved readiness and effectiveness through stronger joint operations, strategic partnerships, enhanced aircraft maintenance, professional development and the responsible use of airpower.

The statement noted that the objective goes beyond expanding operational capabilities to sustaining a professional, accountable and responsive force capable of adapting to evolving security threats.

The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening airpower, safeguarding Nigeria’s airspace and supporting broader national efforts to protect lives and property.

NAF Records Over 6,100 Flying Hours, Advances Modernisation Ahead of CAS Aneke’s First Anniversary